...so, my dad has put the worm in my ear... I finally have a good paying job, and my Mazda2 ain't getting any younger... I *may* go take a look at a Miata retractable hardtop in the near future, just to see what it's like... I dunno... who knows what my reaction will be...

#20, I have to take into account that I drive a parent around that has limited mobility... too low, and they can't get out of it easily... plus, I need room for a collapsible wheelchair... it *almost* fit in the Miata's trunk... for want of an extra inch on the opening.

#24, I will not buy a car older than the one I already have, nor will I buy one with more than half the mileage of the Mazda2... I'm only considering another car because the Mazda is starting to show its age.

Any "luxury" brand convertible would either be too expensive or two too "used"...

...and, no, not going to consider a Mustang... my driveway has enough cracks in it as it is.

#26, I guess that's been my biggest failing as a car fanatic... I am a mechanical idiot. I couldn't properly "wrench" on a car to save my life... if something goes wrong, I have to get a professional mechanic involved.

As far as practicality is concerned, and living with a VQ35 engine at more than 80k miles, I'd say... well, be careful. The 370Zs are smaller than a Miata inside, at least to me. I'd wager a Focus or perhaps a Mazda3 would be a good bet. Maybe even a Chevrolet Cruze, in RS trim.

Also: here's your chance to get a Mazda5 or even a C-Max. Mazda5 will realistically get about 26 or so MPG combined, whereas the C-Max manages to get above 30 even with a heavy foot. Be careful about entering and exiting parking lots, though.